Ji Dong-Won was ineligible during four Sunderland appearances (Picture: Getty)

Sunderland have been fined for fielding an ineligible player in four Premier League matches and a Capital One Cup tie earlier this season.

The Premier League handed the Black Cats the punishment after it emerged striker Ji Dong-Won played against Fulham, Southampton, Crystal Palace and Manchester United before the club realised the 22-year-old did not have international clearance.

It is believed the club were made aware of the error in December and settled the fine in early 2014.

Club secretary Liz Coley has left the club but the belief is her departure was not linked to the error.

Sunderland were also fined by the Football League because Ji played in the Capital One Cup win over MK Dons.

The South Korea international returned to the Black Cats last season after a loan spell at German side Augsburg, yet Sunderland failed to get international clearance for the player when he came back to the club.

Neither the club nor the Premier League was available for comment but it appears there is no risk of the club being deducted points. Ji, who is back at Augsburg on loan until the end of the season, will join Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer in July.